Tolpuddle Vineyard, Chardonnay 2016

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Country: Australia Region: Tasmania Varietal: Chardonnay

Vintage: 2016 Category:White Wine Colour: White

Producer:Tolpuddle Vineyard

"The Tolpuddle vineyard was purchased by Martin Shaw and Michael Hill Smith in 2011. It is situated in the Coal River Valley, in Tasmania's southeast corner. First planted in 1988 by Tony Jordan and Garry Crittenden, it has since established a reputation for growing exceptional quality grapes, with the focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The cool but relatively dry climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly in autumn, without the disease pressure that heavy rainfall can bring.

The vineyard took its name from the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who were transported to Australia in 1834 for starting an agrarian union in Tolpuddle in Dorset. The leader of the group, George Loveless, served part of his sentence working on a property near Richmond called GlenAyr, part of which is now the Tolpuddle Vineyard. In 2006 Tolpuddle won the inaugural Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year award, reflecting the performance of this distinguished site. Under the current owners, their goal is to make one of the finest single vineyards in Australia for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The Chardonnay is a wine of finesse and poise, with delicate flavours of lime, green apple peel and a savoury biscuit note. The Pinot Noir is floral and aromatic with lovely depth, soft and grainy tannins and a surprising underlying power."

Product Features: Sustainable;Vegetarian

Winemaker: Martin Shaw

Vineyards:

The 20 hectare north east facing vineyard is located in the Coal River Valley, which is in a rain shadow, so is dry but cold. The dry climate ensures there is very low disease pressure, which in turn means that they can leave the grapes on the vines for longer to ensure they ripen fully. The soil is light silica over sandstone and of moderate vigour, ensuring well-balanced vines. In 2006 the vineyard won the inaugural Tasmanian Vineyard of the Year award, reflecting the performance of this unique and distinguished site.

Vinification:

The grapes were all hand picked, whole-bunch pressed and fermented in French oak barriques, one third of which were new, and the balance were second and third use barrels. Only a small portion was put through malolactic fermentation, so the freshness of the natural acidity was retained.

Tasting Notes:

On the nose there are hints of citrus and white flowers and on the palate, the power of the Tasmanian Chardonnay grape shines through. A spine of crisp acidity is accompanied by great flavour through the line of the palate. There is a subtlety but also great concentration, and a purity that bodes well for cellaring.